tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293105167080806132018-03-06T16:59:01.846+00:00hardaker and popesarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.comBlogger457125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-90534305403349971902013-07-29T12:09:00.001+01:002013-07-29T12:14:26.818+01:00something fishy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rph4LCRcpd0/UfZJp_QjBGI/AAAAAAAABWA/4TOPL8naEG0/s1600/mackerel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rph4LCRcpd0/UfZJp_QjBGI/AAAAAAAABWA/4TOPL8naEG0/s1600/mackerel1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At long last the Summer holidays have arrived and after the chaos of the last few weeks of term a family holiday was just what we needed.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After such dire weather over the last year or so, hubby and I have been dreaming of a holiday on a Greek island, with blue skies, bluer sea, little coves to explore in a wooden rowing boat and evenings spent at beach side tavernas drinking Amstel and eating whitebait and Greek salad.&nbsp; It's a great dream but this year finances wouldn't permit it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However when the weather is fine Cornwall has to be one of the best places in the world to be.&nbsp; And that's where we were. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The weather was perfect and we spent plenty of time swimming in the sea, enjoying fish from the local fishmonger with crisp cold Prosecco and beach combing.&nbsp; We even hired a little boat and that was the highlight of our week.&nbsp; Culminating in a triumph on our final night when we decided to have a go at catching some mackerel for our supper.&nbsp; Baby (who is now 5) and I were in charge of the mackerel line, hubby in charge of the boat, Boy in charge of the dog and our little girl sat feeling very sick in the swell.&nbsp; But it was worth it because 40 minutes later we had 10 mackerel for our supper.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ys5jU8G0zs/UfZNOwxPjvI/AAAAAAAABWU/ju159_WyBic/s1600/mackerel21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ys5jU8G0zs/UfZNOwxPjvI/AAAAAAAABWU/ju159_WyBic/s1600/mackerel21.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another 40 minutes, barbecue lit and sea sickness overcome, each of the children had each gutted their fish and were happily tucking into a delicious meal, caught by our own fair hands. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nothing more satisfying than that! So who needs Greece?</div><br />Jonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-63198675470411751752013-06-19T11:44:00.000+01:002013-06-19T11:44:00.686+01:00prettiesi have been playing with an app called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/picframe/id433398108?mt=8" target="_blank">picframe</a> - inspired by&nbsp;&nbsp;one of our lovely stockists&nbsp;the lovely debbie at <a href="http://www.roomswithaview.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank">rooms with a view in diss, norfolk.</a><br />its so easy and you can use it on your phone, ipad or computer. i have had lots of fun this weekend making pretty collages!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqNbsb495ZM/Ub7olTWYXpI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/8dQm65l-rD8/s1600/fabric+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqNbsb495ZM/Ub7olTWYXpI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/8dQm65l-rD8/s400/fabric+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-78498097263520991052013-06-18T11:31:00.000+01:002013-06-18T11:31:00.113+01:00loving st iveswe have recently returned from a lovely sunny but windy trip to st ives in the camper van.<br />we finally got a pitch at a campsite i have wanted to try out for years . <a href="https://www.ayrholidaypark.co.uk/holiday-park.php" target="_blank">Ayr Holiday park</a> is set just above the costal path to the south west of porthmeor beach, and it books up quickly! I now know why! it was one of the loveliest sites we have ever stayed on, small, fab views &nbsp;and the loveliest bathrooms imaginable - think underfloor heating and music and lovely clean large showers.<br />heres a little collage of our trip!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d5pBb8QdXg/Ub7laWgnxhI/AAAAAAAAE5A/CDhf58QcIW4/s1600/cornwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d5pBb8QdXg/Ub7laWgnxhI/AAAAAAAAE5A/CDhf58QcIW4/s400/cornwall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-74955951779831451992013-06-17T11:23:00.003+01:002013-06-17T11:24:54.587+01:00a little pop up sale <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8M4S8ZLBAh4/Ub7jcWEM_TI/AAAAAAAAE4w/eoX80dYgvSE/s1600/popup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8M4S8ZLBAh4/Ub7jcWEM_TI/AAAAAAAAE4w/eoX80dYgvSE/s400/popup.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-72548183542794086142013-05-29T07:27:00.000+01:002013-05-29T07:27:00.207+01:00pin it forward ukI was really thrilled to be invited to be part of the "pin it forward Uk" campaign which is running throughout may, as part of its UK launch.<br />For any of you who haven't come across <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahhardaker/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> it is the most marvellous tool for collating all of those visual treats you find whilst meandering through life online and off.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryV8jh7ryVM/UaBTw-no_xI/AAAAAAAAE38/rIe4iJx2N5s/s1600/pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryV8jh7ryVM/UaBTw-no_xI/AAAAAAAAE38/rIe4iJx2N5s/s320/pinterest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I use it everyday to organise all of my visual inspiration via different boards on <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahhardaker/" target="_blank">pinterest</a>. I do most of my clients moodboards on it, as they can then easily see how i am trying to bring their room together. here is an image from &nbsp; <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahhardaker/mood-board-lp/" target="_blank">a board</a> &nbsp;for a client who wanted a contemporary take on <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahhardaker/mood-board-lp/" target="_blank">toile&nbsp;</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZA07UAbsNk/UaBRnKHRguI/AAAAAAAAE3s/Xad5S3Rx824/s1600/toile+poppytalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZA07UAbsNk/UaBRnKHRguI/AAAAAAAAE3s/Xad5S3Rx824/s320/toile+poppytalk.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>image originally from <a href="http://www.poppytalk.com/" target="_blank">poppytalk&nbsp;</a><br /><br />i have also taken to storing all of my recipes on a food board - and a wholefood board for when i am feeling virtuous!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCl6LgMOL8k/UaBZvRgaqfI/AAAAAAAAE4c/yvCvRSZIKPA/s1600/30842cb73442e5bae0b4107326a677cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCl6LgMOL8k/UaBZvRgaqfI/AAAAAAAAE4c/yvCvRSZIKPA/s320/30842cb73442e5bae0b4107326a677cc.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>image from <a href="http://www.alexandracooks.com/2012/08/02/julia-child-notecards-farro-salad-with-roasted-corn-red-peppers-red-onions/" target="_blank">alexandracooks&nbsp;</a><br /><br />I thought it would be fun to do a board that was all about an introduction to <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahhardaker/" target="_blank">pinterest</a>, so every image i came across that i wanted to pin in a week, went on my board '<a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahhardaker/inspired/" target="_blank">inspired'</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yI3Ugm4Zms/UaBVZQwbI0I/AAAAAAAAE4M/uRjFsxx_9iI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+07.07.10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yI3Ugm4Zms/UaBVZQwbI0I/AAAAAAAAE4M/uRjFsxx_9iI/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-25+at+07.07.10.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> - it was an interesting exercise in looking at the types of things i continually pin - which seem to be food, fabric, art and interiors! - not really that surprising.<br /><br />come and join the fun, pinterest have prepared a special little <a href="http://pinterest.com/join?username=sarahhardaker/inspired=inspired" target="_blank">registration link for you</a> here, where you can join in the fun. <br />While i am here i would like to take the opportunity to introduce fellow pinner and fashionista <a href="http://pinterest.com/burkatron/" target="_blank">Caroline Burke&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; caroline is a Uk based style expert and <a href="http://pinterest.com/burkatron/" target="_blank">pins all manner of fashion loveliness</a> - i wonder if she could give me a gok style makeover? &nbsp;i don somehow think Caroline would be very inspired by what i wore today - mainly wellies and pyjamas.........<br /><br /><br /><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-41926874016450861292013-05-25T06:44:00.002+01:002013-05-25T06:44:32.247+01:00the secret of the cinnamon rollmany of you will know - an possibly share my addiction to pinterest. i also have an addiction to cinnamon buns ever since a trip to san francisco let us to the gorgeous little store called molly stones in sausalito. &nbsp;i am always on the lookout for a cinnamon bun that replicates that molly stones taste. i have tried many but i think i have found it ...........and ahem.....its not a made from scratch (she says slightly red faced!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9VRxTH53HU/UaBNo27LTfI/AAAAAAAAE28/_BVnRhgOiro/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9VRxTH53HU/UaBNo27LTfI/AAAAAAAAE28/_BVnRhgOiro/s320/IMG_0065.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>&nbsp;it starts with a pack of jus rol croissant dough - to be found in the chiller cabinet next to pastry!<br />roll it out flat (dont separate it into triangles) and spread it with butter and sprinkle liberally with soft brown sugar mixed with a teaspoon or 2 of cinnamon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MefbtjmW4u0/UaBNpHk9xEI/AAAAAAAAE3E/DYkNysr6OMk/s1600/IMG_0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MefbtjmW4u0/UaBNpHk9xEI/AAAAAAAAE3E/DYkNysr6OMk/s320/IMG_0067.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>&nbsp;roll it up like a sausage and chop into rings.<br />put a ring in each hole of a mini muffin tin - i am especially fond of &nbsp;this one with 24 holes<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_eSG5D4kvk/UaBNpJdcvfI/AAAAAAAAE3A/aOdnhwHa8Wk/s1600/IMG_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_eSG5D4kvk/UaBNpJdcvfI/AAAAAAAAE3A/aOdnhwHa8Wk/s320/IMG_0069.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bake them in a hot oven, and take them out of the tin as soon as they are done - or they weld themselves to it! (top tip, don't ice them in the tin or you"ll have to eat them out of the tin with a spoon!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7j2ZGlZpq4/UaBNqf2wR4I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/oU-fpWf7k2s/s1600/cin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7j2ZGlZpq4/UaBNqf2wR4I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/oU-fpWf7k2s/s320/cin2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">put them on a plate and dribble with icing made with icing sugar, a teaspoon or 2 of maple syrup and a teaspoon or two of milk and a little pinch of cinnamon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uR9HXvGI41E/UaBNqMkAKkI/AAAAAAAAE3U/y-Dfru3T7d4/s1600/cin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uR9HXvGI41E/UaBNqMkAKkI/AAAAAAAAE3U/y-Dfru3T7d4/s320/cin+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">eat while still warm and enjoy!!!</div><div><br /></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-48599258984382814722013-05-19T06:26:00.000+01:002013-05-19T06:26:00.045+01:00talent for textilesIf you are in and around bradford on avon this weekend Jo and I will be at the Talent for Textiles 'rag market' &nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">9am - 3 pm at Mason's Hall and the Wine Vaults, Church Street, Bradford on Avon.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">We will be selling lots of odds and ends of fabrics, along with cushions, lampshades and some bargain <a href="http://www.sarahhardaker.co.uk/" target="_blank">sarah hardaker fabrics</a>&nbsp; .</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif;">As usual we got very distracted making our bundles of 'rags' look&nbsp;beautiful!!!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6k6ITe0C4I/UZhh8m0EuSI/AAAAAAAAE2I/c5KV9aRjlzM/s1600/IMG_0581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6k6ITe0C4I/UZhh8m0EuSI/AAAAAAAAE2I/c5KV9aRjlzM/s320/IMG_0581.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dDI7UvpJzo/UZhh-Fq3LcI/AAAAAAAAE2U/062T4GJSc_A/s1600/IMG_0582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dDI7UvpJzo/UZhh-Fq3LcI/AAAAAAAAE2U/062T4GJSc_A/s320/IMG_0582.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC1Nre0TBRY/UZhh-dziORI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/7Fm8P5q2Obg/s1600/IMG_0583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC1Nre0TBRY/UZhh-dziORI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/7Fm8P5q2Obg/s320/IMG_0583.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omtcoCCqVvI/UZhh-BUu5YI/AAAAAAAAE2c/v-46ES6DZQ8/s1600/IMG_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omtcoCCqVvI/UZhh-BUu5YI/AAAAAAAAE2c/v-46ES6DZQ8/s320/IMG_0584.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">if you are in Bradford on Avon pop in and say hello, there are lots of fabulous dealers who are selling wares at bargain prices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif;"><br /></span>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-7704158659644547022013-05-09T20:08:00.002+01:002013-05-09T20:08:31.629+01:00howdyits been busy busy busy here, with jo racing around doing 2 jobs - and still managing to come and sort out my muddles on a weekly basis, and me being the woman of a hundred hats for months on end, - i feel like that faulty towers sketch where manuel changes his outfit depending on whether he is the waiter, the doorman, the bell boy etc!!<br />we have had alot of exciting projects on the go, our pattern books arrived! (and i was like a proud mummy!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHFQbX2albw/UYvtUoY5UXI/AAAAAAAAEvY/z1DX39JB36s/s1600/pattern+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHFQbX2albw/UYvtUoY5UXI/AAAAAAAAEvY/z1DX39JB36s/s320/pattern+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZsv78Kywk0/UYvtXNwecDI/AAAAAAAAEvg/PmxIpKDPDsg/s1600/pattern+books+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZsv78Kywk0/UYvtXNwecDI/AAAAAAAAEvg/PmxIpKDPDsg/s320/pattern+books+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>all of our <a href="http://www.sarahhardaker.co.uk/" target="_blank">new designs </a>were launched....... and selling!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgKSBaIY2Zk/UYvvEbBo-4I/AAAAAAAAEv4/0nfnyT5a1Z0/s1600/IMG_9017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgKSBaIY2Zk/UYvvEbBo-4I/AAAAAAAAEv4/0nfnyT5a1Z0/s320/IMG_9017.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwuRCTalUXY/UYvvEls_8uI/AAAAAAAAEvw/-Mwyztydu3c/s1600/IMG_9099+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwuRCTalUXY/UYvvEls_8uI/AAAAAAAAEvw/-Mwyztydu3c/s320/IMG_9099+-+Version+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3dIzJH1bes/UYvvElnEJRI/AAAAAAAAEv0/5zItC8qX0oE/s1600/IMG_9305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3dIzJH1bes/UYvvElnEJRI/AAAAAAAAEv0/5zItC8qX0oE/s320/IMG_9305.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5GiVCOItXQ/UYvvGP12qBI/AAAAAAAAEwI/JYFL8HcKZEs/s1600/IMG_0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5GiVCOItXQ/UYvvGP12qBI/AAAAAAAAEwI/JYFL8HcKZEs/s320/IMG_0388.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>we have done some really exciting <a href="http://www.sarahhardaker.co.uk/" target="_blank">interiors projects, </a>at home via &nbsp;our website &nbsp;room service (using my embroidery training - judy barry - i am still doing you proud!!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx59F4cjHD0/UYvvq2cPM3I/AAAAAAAAEwU/b-e2LaATBWc/s1600/301974_4783344027064_1582545623_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx59F4cjHD0/UYvvq2cPM3I/AAAAAAAAEwU/b-e2LaATBWc/s320/301974_4783344027064_1582545623_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kh9gV8O0Vu8/UYvvqyYIj8I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/-cCYSwMFrAw/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kh9gV8O0Vu8/UYvvqyYIj8I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/-cCYSwMFrAw/s320/IMG_0331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQk6OJp_P-Q/UYvvwgzeD1I/AAAAAAAAEwg/xzpJdRHAJWs/s1600/lookbook+bespoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQk6OJp_P-Q/UYvvwgzeD1I/AAAAAAAAEwg/xzpJdRHAJWs/s320/lookbook+bespoke.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />and abroad.......<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhvvIc1BwS0/UYvv5DpqdhI/AAAAAAAAEwo/fms0XJ3kpcg/s1600/chateau+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhvvIc1BwS0/UYvv5DpqdhI/AAAAAAAAEwo/fms0XJ3kpcg/s320/chateau+1.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHd3R7kZh5k/UYvv6Va8iWI/AAAAAAAAEww/F_eOVyvYOGE/s1600/chateau+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHd3R7kZh5k/UYvv6Va8iWI/AAAAAAAAEww/F_eOVyvYOGE/s320/chateau+3.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>&nbsp;i was brave and had some professional pics taken by the wonderful <a href="http://www.thelemonhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">paul, at lemon house</a> (who performed photo-surgical no chins miracles!!) so this is me ...in real life!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__yoVIdr3VU/UYvyPzGIuSI/AAAAAAAAExw/u3rnm19qO70/s1600/02+edit+warm+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__yoVIdr3VU/UYvyPzGIuSI/AAAAAAAAExw/u3rnm19qO70/s320/02+edit+warm+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we have had some amazing magazine coverage.. (thank you wonderful team at <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/countryhomesandinteriors" target="_blank">country homes and </a>interiors and fab stylist <a href="http://www.lisa-brown.co.uk/" target="_blank">lisa brown</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgTQGh8raZQ/UYvw9TCeJWI/AAAAAAAAExU/JMU9SDkLKxY/s1600/734478_576409065717309_454790242_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgTQGh8raZQ/UYvw9TCeJWI/AAAAAAAAExU/JMU9SDkLKxY/s320/734478_576409065717309_454790242_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4sXTTAm7tI/UYvxAKduiQI/AAAAAAAAExc/bEbHpUlyu3Q/s1600/150397_576410602383822_916182822_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4sXTTAm7tI/UYvxAKduiQI/AAAAAAAAExc/bEbHpUlyu3Q/s320/150397_576410602383822_916182822_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCOG4WPQyy4/UYvw_97ZdHI/AAAAAAAAExg/BL9cW5uhtrk/s1600/483833_576413375716878_2011534790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCOG4WPQyy4/UYvw_97ZdHI/AAAAAAAAExg/BL9cW5uhtrk/s320/483833_576413375716878_2011534790_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />and i have indulged my guilty <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sarahhardaker" target="_blank">pinterest </a>addiction - usually at 5am!!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MLgH7nbJG0/UYvz8bDJolI/AAAAAAAAEyA/A4Zyz949Xgk/s1600/d554d6b8efa0036cedc04f3eea7bb0d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MLgH7nbJG0/UYvz8bDJolI/AAAAAAAAEyA/A4Zyz949Xgk/s320/d554d6b8efa0036cedc04f3eea7bb0d3.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6DjHS7t72w/UYvz8J5a36I/AAAAAAAAEx8/chm3JgjfEK4/s1600/daecde05da054bba817e9d1fba25c2fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6DjHS7t72w/UYvz8J5a36I/AAAAAAAAEx8/chm3JgjfEK4/s320/daecde05da054bba817e9d1fba25c2fc.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBn2XErDX_o/UYvz8vlz4QI/AAAAAAAAEyE/AEKosg1iZXc/s1600/510fbff02ef48a3402cf4e484f6cb095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBn2XErDX_o/UYvz8vlz4QI/AAAAAAAAEyE/AEKosg1iZXc/s320/510fbff02ef48a3402cf4e484f6cb095.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CY6TsJuxq-w/UYvz-RppLQI/AAAAAAAAEyU/xHAhIuXMMsc/s1600/58554f11cd38290e60eed58ecea2f6a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CY6TsJuxq-w/UYvz-RppLQI/AAAAAAAAEyU/xHAhIuXMMsc/s320/58554f11cd38290e60eed58ecea2f6a9.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>anyway, we are back, and in fine fettle, so heres to a creative summer!<br /><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-5208484326016195712013-01-21T14:43:00.001+00:002013-01-21T14:43:08.943+00:00A little bit of colour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDWEZuMDZBc/UP1T7h2IcCI/AAAAAAAABVo/qPj_lHZzFDU/s1600/Cherries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDWEZuMDZBc/UP1T7h2IcCI/AAAAAAAABVo/qPj_lHZzFDU/s320/Cherries.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>After a fabulous yet exhausting weekend of&nbsp; endless sledging and too much red wine by the fire ('the best days ever' according to our now-5-year-old baby).&nbsp; Life has sort of returned to normal today.&nbsp; School opened late with excited children turning up covered in every conceivable item of clothing to protect them from the snow and prepared for a really good out door play later on in the school day.&nbsp; But the snow is thawing and people have been digging it off the roads, drives and pavements leaving large dark patches of concrete, in an already rather bleak landscape.&nbsp; Hubby has had the day off work (little he can do as a gardener!) and after a failed attempt to get my car out we jumped in the 4x4 and headed into Nailsworth for some retail therapy and a spot of lunch a deux.&nbsp; On our return home I realise that I must be hankering after some summer sun as my kitchen table is now adorned with a bowl of cherries, some brightly flowered Rununcula and an ice cream soda glass!<br /><br />So, for those of you who are also looking for something to brighten up their day, here's a little bit of colour.Jonoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-19087997787777810462012-11-29T10:03:00.002+00:002012-11-29T10:04:58.634+00:00its beginning to feel a lot like christmas...Hello folks<br />though i might be broadcasting to an empty room and tumbleweed i have been away for so long!<br />somebody once asked me would i recommend leaving the rat race to set up their own business? sometimes it is fab, but other times you feel like you are racing around at 100 miles an hour with a million different hats on!!! &nbsp;so even though it is my busiest time of year i decided to stop for 5 mins and have a little break with a coffee and a blog!<br />i have been having a quick peruse of pinterest in my spare moments in the last few weeks, and i have to say there is some fabulous christmas inspiration on there at the moment, home made holiday gifts, cards and decorating ideas. &nbsp;with all of this inspiration around i agreed to host a workshop with my friend kate, who has the most lovely barn in the old selsley herb farm.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3x1tTumDNns/ULcyeLXK1bI/AAAAAAAAEu8/etbpNrIuZqk/s1600/waterlane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3x1tTumDNns/ULcyeLXK1bI/AAAAAAAAEu8/etbpNrIuZqk/s400/waterlane.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>you can click on the picture to enlarge the details, we will be concentrating on handmade natural christmas decorations, a christmas wreath and decorating your home with a natural feel. so i will post some pictures of our efforts! &nbsp;there are 2 spaces left if any local readers are interested do contact us.<br /><br /><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-68406303060384917742012-09-26T15:00:00.000+01:002012-09-26T15:00:05.778+01:00time for tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vi0hV-a04E/UGMHuw1jPII/AAAAAAAABVU/Lbu4JotRJLE/s1600/rosemary+cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vi0hV-a04E/UGMHuw1jPII/AAAAAAAABVU/Lbu4JotRJLE/s1600/rosemary+cake1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Like January, September marks a time for new beginnings. &nbsp;This September is particularly momentous for me as my baby has just started school. &nbsp;In turn I was hoping that that meant that I would have hours of time to myself to catch up with the things I've not had time to do over the last 9 years. &nbsp;Some how this isn't yet the case (not helped by the fact she isn't full time at school until after 1/2 term!). <br /><br />I am getting slowly back on track though. I managed to find the time and head space to read our oven instructions so I can now use the timer - something my life would have benefitted from years ago. &nbsp;Leaving the house to do the school run, knowing the oven will turn on itself and having the 'supper-ready' beeper going as I get back 2 hours later with children worn out from swimming is great. &nbsp;I used it the other day to make this delicious <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/rosemary-remembrance-cake-129">Rosemary cake,</a> a fab Nigella recipe, for a new mum's coffee morning at school.<br /><br />Anyway I've also decided that it's time to re-visit the resolutions I made in January. &nbsp;Somehow I've failed to be a prolific blogger yet this year, hopefully that's going to change. &nbsp;I'm hoping and anticipating waves of time for 'me'. &nbsp;When it comes hopefully I'll have time to write some more posts, and time to sit down, enjoy and (most importantly) finish a hot cup of tea. Jonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-7667358942316120502012-09-24T17:48:00.000+01:002012-09-24T17:48:04.804+01:00defeated by technology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuEr5tSJtnw/UGCOAU4rXlI/AAAAAAAAEtE/e2g6WfI9xv4/s1600/+majolica+crop+IMG_9099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuEr5tSJtnw/UGCOAU4rXlI/AAAAAAAAEtE/e2g6WfI9xv4/s320/+majolica+crop+IMG_9099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />if you are trying to access our website today we are experiencing some difficulties with our new server.<br />so we have a temporary site at <a href="http://www.sarahhardaker.com/">www.sarahhardaker.com</a><br />we are hoping to be fully back up and running in our normal site in the next 48 hours.<br />you can also call the studio on 01453 872480 and we will be delighted to help you with samples and orders.<br /><br /><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-8639558548032964452012-09-15T06:30:00.000+01:002012-09-15T06:30:01.946+01:00beautiful places<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jUTQboQ7N0/UFEDGlKn2VI/AAAAAAAAErk/ng8Gw0ubP9M/s1600/a+france+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jUTQboQ7N0/UFEDGlKn2VI/AAAAAAAAErk/ng8Gw0ubP9M/s320/a+france+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a little whistle stop tour around france</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ile de re</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWOa1vmpBrI/UFEDHme68HI/AAAAAAAAErs/G-LpLbRXPFI/s1600/a+france+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWOa1vmpBrI/UFEDHme68HI/AAAAAAAAErs/G-LpLbRXPFI/s1600/a+france+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqaO08k1xyM/UFEDKL93GXI/AAAAAAAAEsE/7D8QIW3FncA/s1600/a+france+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqaO08k1xyM/UFEDKL93GXI/AAAAAAAAEsE/7D8QIW3FncA/s320/a+france+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campinglesormes.com/" target="_blank">camping les ormes in the lot valley</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5ipZO7-uKc/UFEDLAoRx8I/AAAAAAAAEsM/n0b0IhS0m88/s1600/a+france+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5ipZO7-uKc/UFEDLAoRx8I/AAAAAAAAEsM/n0b0IhS0m88/s320/a+france+8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHGq31UOpnU/UFEC_n7ubPI/AAAAAAAAEqs/xfZtVK-A_cg/s1600/a+france+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHGq31UOpnU/UFEC_n7ubPI/AAAAAAAAEqs/xfZtVK-A_cg/s320/a+france+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je6oBCREQyk/UFEDJMtlnHI/AAAAAAAAEr8/DHzsUsJFwKk/s1600/a+france+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je6oBCREQyk/UFEDJMtlnHI/AAAAAAAAEr8/DHzsUsJFwKk/s320/a+france+6.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the beautiful town of monflaquin</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2W4deW5B04/UFEDAQwEGII/AAAAAAAAEq0/E_xKROdpza4/s1600/a+france+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2W4deW5B04/UFEDAQwEGII/AAAAAAAAEq0/E_xKROdpza4/s320/a+france+10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">beynac on the river dordogne</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plebSOXspO8/UFEDBuQfQrI/AAAAAAAAEq8/npQwxV1B5jc/s1600/a+france+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plebSOXspO8/UFEDBuQfQrI/AAAAAAAAEq8/npQwxV1B5jc/s320/a+france+11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6pkaPgrGX0/UFEDC2q0hiI/AAAAAAAAErE/uqeehsB4n68/s1600/a+france+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6pkaPgrGX0/UFEDC2q0hiI/AAAAAAAAErE/uqeehsB4n68/s320/a+france+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marqueyssac.com/" target="_blank">jardins du m</a>arqueyssac</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhloFfW7BBE/UFEDF81bl9I/AAAAAAAAErc/sKNaYqKQNJY/s1600/a+france+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhloFfW7BBE/UFEDF81bl9I/AAAAAAAAErc/sKNaYqKQNJY/s320/a+france+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sunflowers in the dordogne</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwyh6CmEYrE/UFEDD_5cLMI/AAAAAAAAErM/bQ0mYHRSS0c/s1600/a+france+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwyh6CmEYrE/UFEDD_5cLMI/AAAAAAAAErM/bQ0mYHRSS0c/s320/a+france+13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">zinnias in the loire</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDUMNemyLd4/UFEDE7LwlDI/AAAAAAAAErU/2-UYgSvCRng/s1600/a+france+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDUMNemyLd4/UFEDE7LwlDI/AAAAAAAAErU/2-UYgSvCRng/s320/a+france+14.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">honfleur</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-84465353242762977472012-09-14T06:30:00.000+01:002012-09-14T06:30:01.798+01:00its not always perfect!sometimes a friend calls you up, and you have a phone conversation which leaves you feeling happy for the rest of the day. whenever my friend helen rings i feel like that! &nbsp;When she rang this week i came off the phone with my jaw aching from laughing from tales of our hols and their hols, one of helens most memorable sayings is " hmmm holidays, kids, same old crap, different location and only half of your stuff!!!!!!" &nbsp;who could disagree. anyway she pointed out that my holiday pics make it seem life in the hardaker holiday home is all a bed of roses - i only ever put the good bits on here!<br />so i thought i would share some of the not so good, and somewhat benny hill moments of life!<br />the first day of our hols, less than 50miles over the channel dotty had a strop, resulting in this<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22Trnlm1aLk/UFD8szh1yGI/AAAAAAAAEpc/Jp-FyF1rzjg/s1600/dotty+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22Trnlm1aLk/UFD8szh1yGI/AAAAAAAAEpc/Jp-FyF1rzjg/s320/dotty+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />which was accompanied by &nbsp;a hushed and hissing granny like shout about " i bet you wished you'd bought a ******** caravan" (apparantly not though as a knackered campervan is much cooler!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1EkaEDeS-E/UFD8zLYxarI/AAAAAAAAEpk/LXt4fxw044w/s1600/dotty+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1EkaEDeS-E/UFD8zLYxarI/AAAAAAAAEpk/LXt4fxw044w/s320/dotty+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HMHkLJzw7Y/UFD81NdJVtI/AAAAAAAAEps/i1s58KiMB8o/s1600/dotty+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HMHkLJzw7Y/UFD81NdJVtI/AAAAAAAAEps/i1s58KiMB8o/s320/dotty+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />life is never dull whenst travelling with my children, the youngest always manages to create mischief wherever he ends up, and ile de re was no exception - face first complete with bike in one of these salt marsh &nbsp;ditches - sadly no pic as i was too busy pulling him out.<br />though mummy is no better, wondering what was bobbing up and down in a very stylish spa jacuzzi - turned out it was the chicken fillet padding of my posh new swimming cossie!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVxu4qZQdKQ/UFD87GpKZVI/AAAAAAAAEp0/j5O5S69gRBM/s1600/dotty+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVxu4qZQdKQ/UFD87GpKZVI/AAAAAAAAEp0/j5O5S69gRBM/s320/dotty+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />see its not all perfect in hardaker and pope land (i tell a lie jos life is always beautiful!)<br />PS , it will be back to the beautiful life tomorrow!sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-61361977074420839352012-09-13T06:30:00.000+01:002012-09-13T06:30:03.112+01:00a proud momenti have had the pleasure this year of working with the most lovely family, to create some beautiful bespoke fabrics for them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzvhu2qc3SM/UFD4YZCweTI/AAAAAAAAEpE/VVc4KVgisbk/s1600/chateau+dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzvhu2qc3SM/UFD4YZCweTI/AAAAAAAAEpE/VVc4KVgisbk/s320/chateau+dining.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br />proving the power of google, my lovely client did a google image search for yellow chinoiserie and up i popped! My lovely client contacted me and between us and our fabulous printers, we managed to pull off a custom colour redecoration of her dining room in time for thanksgiving.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikSeEZrCtoE/UFD39OUDdrI/AAAAAAAAEo0/xt8XRCk2pjg/s1600/chateau+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikSeEZrCtoE/UFD39OUDdrI/AAAAAAAAEo0/xt8XRCk2pjg/s320/chateau+1.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br />the summer brought the second phase, where i designed a site specific contemporary relaxed damask for their small sitting room. they are a proper family, who live in their house and entertain their friends who come from all corners of the globe to spend the summer, so it was important for them that the designs didn't feel stuffy or over formal.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7xC72z_w_M/UFD3-hef60I/AAAAAAAAEo8/iNVUvgWTr-4/s1600/chateau+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7xC72z_w_M/UFD3-hef60I/AAAAAAAAEo8/iNVUvgWTr-4/s320/chateau+2.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br />its heartwarming to deal with such lovely folks, &nbsp;and i should just mention the marvels of Dr Helen Tilly's &nbsp;translation skills!!!!<br /><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-91960548825704175242012-09-12T21:36:00.001+01:002012-09-12T21:36:56.634+01:00have ipad will travelthe purchase of dotty has rather revolutionised life in the hardaker household, we have been nipping off here there and everywhere throughout the holidays. Modern technology has meant that i have been able to stay in touch with jo all the time , and she held the fort through my 3 and a half weeks in france. The one downside of modern technology is you end up with boxes of cables and a bag clanking with iPads, iPods, kindles, laptops and other malarchy! after a big scratch on the ipod in st ives in may i fired up the machine and made some covers for the techy stuff to take to france! not only do they prettify the ugly techy things, they do definitely protect them. i tend to cart all of our electrics around in one of my shoppers so am much happier now that they aren't all clanking in to one and other.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R29ZhXD_eUE/UFDx0BcoP9I/AAAAAAAAEoM/9gm7PgN6l6M/s1600/ipad+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R29ZhXD_eUE/UFDx0BcoP9I/AAAAAAAAEoM/9gm7PgN6l6M/s320/ipad+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />with decorex looming and the prospect of catching up with old collecgues and friends, i am for once going to feel like i have joined the 21st century (rather than a country bumpkin which is my usual feeling!) when i whip out my ipad at decorex complete with the decorex app and rather smart sarah hardaker cover!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIEGbFqC5k/UFDx1ifS7rI/AAAAAAAAEoU/gwUbs8XOLqQ/s1600/ipad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIEGbFqC5k/UFDx1ifS7rI/AAAAAAAAEoU/gwUbs8XOLqQ/s320/ipad+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br />if you are coming to see us at the vh fair have a look for our very popular scrap bags before they sell out and make yourself a cover. check out our step by step how to&nbsp;<a href="http://hardakerandpope.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/handmade-from-scrap-bags.html" target="_blank">here feb 12</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWh4-jY01zk/UFDyOsc5oRI/AAAAAAAAEoc/-m9ddGOmjdo/s1600/kc+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWh4-jY01zk/UFDyOsc5oRI/AAAAAAAAEoc/-m9ddGOmjdo/s320/kc+18.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-4906222422456006052012-09-02T14:53:00.001+01:002012-09-02T14:53:42.639+01:00colours of ile de reas promised a little more on our trip to france. I felt very inspired by the ile de re, which had a very chilled out vibe and was very relaxed. we heard very few english voices in a week. All of the shutters on the buildings on the island are painted in soft chalky tones.<br />we had just finished shooting the new collection when we left, and some of the colours we have going on in the new collection are veery redolent of the colours in france (more on colour inspiration later!)<br />anyway here is a little selection of ile de re, which is making me feel very wistful.....<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWjPP9DMdHI/UENiaCOPn8I/AAAAAAAAEnM/BWRxPHE3pqM/s1600/colours+ile+de+re+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWjPP9DMdHI/UENiaCOPn8I/AAAAAAAAEnM/BWRxPHE3pqM/s320/colours+ile+de+re+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;everybody cycles everywhere which i also loved because you were n't dodging cars (always a trial with small children in tow).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Ot1nA7hH8/UENibSHsuNI/AAAAAAAAEnU/B5O9xzYoutk/s1600/colours+ile+de+re+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Ot1nA7hH8/UENibSHsuNI/AAAAAAAAEnU/B5O9xzYoutk/s320/colours+ile+de+re+8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rag6uMvUFSg/UENickvEgNI/AAAAAAAAEnc/IseXKWd8c6o/s1600/colours+ile+de+re.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rag6uMvUFSg/UENickvEgNI/AAAAAAAAEnc/IseXKWd8c6o/s320/colours+ile+de+re.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">the streets and cycle paths were overflowing with wild flowers and hollyhocks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBIxAv6TVls/UENidho34SI/AAAAAAAAEnk/yRrJ_YOLs20/s1600/colours+of+ile+de+re+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBIxAv6TVls/UENidho34SI/AAAAAAAAEnk/yRrJ_YOLs20/s320/colours+of+ile+de+re+4.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik-NLJbhXLI/UENielwERHI/AAAAAAAAEns/eM3dfcvjisI/s1600/colours+of+ile+de+re+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik-NLJbhXLI/UENielwERHI/AAAAAAAAEns/eM3dfcvjisI/s320/colours+of+ile+de+re+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;there are vast expanses of wild marshland and salt flats<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nEFuajP46M/UENiYGIDZyI/AAAAAAAAEm8/K2yk0fintbQ/s1600/colours+ile+de+re+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nEFuajP46M/UENiYGIDZyI/AAAAAAAAEm8/K2yk0fintbQ/s320/colours+ile+de+re+2.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>beautiful blues of sea and sky<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiihObIKlso/UENiZHWUWII/AAAAAAAAEnA/y4Vuh5sxhFU/s1600/colours+ile+de+re+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiihObIKlso/UENiZHWUWII/AAAAAAAAEnA/y4Vuh5sxhFU/s320/colours+ile+de+re+3.jpg" width="157" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOap17Y1V0g/UENifweBqrI/AAAAAAAAEn0/HAOq_IxD2bk/s1600/colours+of+ile+de+re+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOap17Y1V0g/UENifweBqrI/AAAAAAAAEn0/HAOq_IxD2bk/s320/colours+of+ile+de+re+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-91547822707197104302012-08-27T17:30:00.000+01:002012-08-27T17:30:14.674+01:00phew a busy summerhello lovely people, what a busy summer! while the rain has poured in England we welcmoed a new member to our family. meet Dotty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKVmUo3ozBw/UDua5QxD0fI/AAAAAAAAEmM/g-YJIopPpeQ/s1600/2+dotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKVmUo3ozBw/UDua5QxD0fI/AAAAAAAAEmM/g-YJIopPpeQ/s320/2+dotty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />lovely dotty came to live with us in memory of mr Hs lovely mum who sadly died at much too young an age last year. He received a small inheritance and said he wanted to spend it on something that was all about making memories, (i stopped being churlish and muttering carpets for our sadly neglected abode and embraced the idea - with a bit of trepidation).<br />Anyway Dotty has whisked us away to France for almost a month, and i have to say ot was most relaxing, she had one large temper tantrum on the le mans ring rd, when we thought we might all be coming home, however the lovely and somewhat baffled people at the vw garage in le mans put her right and off we went.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMpBGMFo7Lg/UDudQl0c18I/AAAAAAAAEmU/lC_Am4xIHCk/s1600/2+france+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMpBGMFo7Lg/UDudQl0c18I/AAAAAAAAEmU/lC_Am4xIHCk/s320/2+france+1.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br />she is going to be having a bit of a make over as all i managed before we went on hol were some new curtains from one of the designs &nbsp;in <a href="http://www.sarahhardaker.co.uk/" target="_blank">our </a>new collection.<br />she has a bit of a storm cloud interior so we went for polka dot in cherry and faded roses in cherry to cheer her up a bit .<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXtjQIzOXyA/UDugUFFD8SI/AAAAAAAAEmo/SnkTcuOu-Pc/s1600/2+fabric+dotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXtjQIzOXyA/UDugUFFD8SI/AAAAAAAAEmo/SnkTcuOu-Pc/s320/2+fabric+dotty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>anyway more about france and our inspiring trip later,<br />au revoir for now!sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-14117638496842096642012-07-16T14:44:00.004+01:002012-07-16T14:44:57.197+01:00teachers gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrTevnOkrKs/UAQZr_0E1mI/AAAAAAAABVA/M1YxyRloElc/s1600/lavender+freaks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrTevnOkrKs/UAQZr_0E1mI/AAAAAAAABVA/M1YxyRloElc/s1600/lavender+freaks1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I don't remember my teachers being inundated with gifts at the end of every term but it seems to be the thing to do now days so I've been busy with the children trying to come up with ideas of things that THEY can make.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7-1YWanJ8w/UAQZxh8upCI/AAAAAAAABVI/JG01rcizt0g/s1600/lavender+freaks+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7-1YWanJ8w/UAQZxh8upCI/AAAAAAAABVI/JG01rcizt0g/s1600/lavender+freaks+21.jpg" /></a></div><br />My little girl was given this book of iron-ons by Sukie and has had great fun choosing specific transfers for each teacher, and carefully using the sewing machine and iron to create these little lavender bags.&nbsp; She was content for quite a while making these, unfortunately baby (now a lively 4 year old) and Boy don't have the same 'staying power' and persuading either of them just to write their name on a label is quite a challenge so their teachers may not be quite so lucky!Jonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-41052529259625539112012-07-13T14:01:00.000+01:002012-07-13T14:01:54.274+01:00Peggy Lady<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32YZt1rBMKs/UAAYc1qPk1I/AAAAAAAABUk/kqYvh1TDZYg/s1600/peggy+lady3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32YZt1rBMKs/UAAYc1qPk1I/AAAAAAAABUk/kqYvh1TDZYg/s1600/peggy+lady3.jpg" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Every now and then I like to make the effort to do something special with each child on their own.&nbsp; Our little girl in particular relishes being the centre of attention but rarely gets such luxury being the middle child.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMqjGYgeW98/UAAYj9Dx3-I/AAAAAAAABUs/JbmQWyDaspY/s1600/peggy+lady2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMqjGYgeW98/UAAYj9Dx3-I/AAAAAAAABUs/JbmQWyDaspY/s1600/peggy+lady2.jpg" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Last weekend however we had a special day and went to a Peg Doll making workshop at Olivia Dell's house.&nbsp; We had such a lovely time, quietly sitting in Olivia's studio, rummaging through her fabrics and threads to find just the right thing to add to our mini people.&nbsp; What was so amazing was the way the pegs 'told' you who they wanted to be.&nbsp; Olivia had said we should start with the face because only then do you know who you are making and it was so true.&nbsp; I really wanted to make a beatific, whimsical fairy for the top of our Christmas tree but that was not to be.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ4k25-LzAo/UAAawPP0aeI/AAAAAAAABU0/5RZM9KFR_-k/s1600/peggy+lady+61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ4k25-LzAo/UAAawPP0aeI/AAAAAAAABU0/5RZM9KFR_-k/s1600/peggy+lady+61.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I added her hair she turned more Paula Yates than - an angel fallen from grace!&nbsp; And I loved my Rumanian Princess,&nbsp; I found the twisted thread for her hair and was going to chop it off once the glue had dried and then realised that it was beautiful and made her character come alive.&nbsp; Meanwhile my little girl was busy making her wedding lady and then her extremely glamorous shepherd lady with her very own sheep.&nbsp; You really could have hours of fun doing this, but unfortunately our afternoon came to an end and we had to take our new friends home.Jonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-90364274785810203332012-07-05T11:00:00.000+01:002012-07-05T11:00:08.953+01:00lavender lovelies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we were super inspired by the lovely sania pell to get back to making some &nbsp;lavender products.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">back when we very first started we made and sold tomes of these to keep us in beans, and somewhere along the wayside we forgot about them!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lR37LMSrv8/T_Sywt7YB7I/AAAAAAAAElg/U155KSJ0r5o/s1600/sania+pell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lR37LMSrv8/T_Sywt7YB7I/AAAAAAAAElg/U155KSJ0r5o/s320/sania+pell.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;so inspired by sania we have resurrected the idea and they will be available on our newly updated website from the end of july. Customers will be able to choose a colour and we will make 3 co ordinating lavender pillows tied with ribbon or vintage lace.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIS6TOfF9uI/T_Sy6FHkcPI/AAAAAAAAElo/OeUE3bpQXZg/s1600/new+collection+stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIS6TOfF9uI/T_Sy6FHkcPI/AAAAAAAAElo/OeUE3bpQXZg/s320/new+collection+stack.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBfaXI6UTKc/T_S1CHSU0iI/AAAAAAAAElw/rhjlW1wC9LA/s1600/new+collection+stack+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBfaXI6UTKc/T_S1CHSU0iI/AAAAAAAAElw/rhjlW1wC9LA/s320/new+collection+stack+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />if you have some scraps of fabric that you love, they couldn't be easier to make yourself. simply cut 6 co ordinating squares of fabric approx 14cm sq. pair them up right sides together. starting from 2cm in from a corner stitch all the way round the edges and finish 2cm after your last corner (so you have a gap to turn through) . trim the corners and turn right sides out, press flat with stuffing the gap pressed in so that it is in line with the edge. stuff with lavender and a sprinkle of rice for weight, and stitch the opening closed. tie your bundle with some vintage lace or ribbon.<br />they do make a rather lovely giftsarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-36216293302640198702012-07-04T22:10:00.001+01:002012-07-04T22:38:25.644+01:00feeling bluei have always loved blue, but in my days at osborne and little it was never considered a good seller. now i am on my own and can please myself i have added a beautiful blue group to the new collection<br />i really like it teamed with our soft warm french grey.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Bac6KFmuI/T_S3KNxcMlI/AAAAAAAAEl4/lC7gpKk359c/s1600/Preview_of_florence_faded_blue_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Bac6KFmuI/T_S3KNxcMlI/AAAAAAAAEl4/lC7gpKk359c/s400/Preview_of_florence_faded_blue_1.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQncHf7RFHY/T_S3qfuSkFI/AAAAAAAAEmA/Xujf7mZAeK4/s1600/blue+and+grey+palatte+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQncHf7RFHY/T_S3qfuSkFI/AAAAAAAAEmA/Xujf7mZAeK4/s400/blue+and+grey+palatte+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-50997107539245870842012-06-14T13:59:00.000+01:002012-06-14T13:59:00.628+01:00art inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">well it has to be said i am getting nowhere fast with my work for my exhibition entry!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so i thought i would gather a little more inspiration to spur me on!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for some reason i keep being attracted to all things birdy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBxTjcXxmA8/T9NHu6rAVkI/AAAAAAAAEko/HGl_dAeq4Zo/s1600/129126714286268718_6kMBtL9N_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBxTjcXxmA8/T9NHu6rAVkI/AAAAAAAAEko/HGl_dAeq4Zo/s1600/129126714286268718_6kMBtL9N_f.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;vanessa cooper<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTFmtS2L8r8/T9NHwL-yaFI/AAAAAAAAEk0/cDBuWf5uTyw/s1600/176766354094650462_AzbkJvk9_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTFmtS2L8r8/T9NHwL-yaFI/AAAAAAAAEk0/cDBuWf5uTyw/s320/176766354094650462_AzbkJvk9_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;lisa wolfsgruber<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXeoq2eRBro/T9NHw1XLGDI/AAAAAAAAEk8/SiL65xNjFcU/s1600/264445809339552803_B7MPQEAt_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXeoq2eRBro/T9NHw1XLGDI/AAAAAAAAEk8/SiL65xNjFcU/s1600/264445809339552803_B7MPQEAt_b.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;elaine pamphilon<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLthyKO2bUM/T9NICe5lYOI/AAAAAAAAElE/r7MRmFGgBtc/s1600/213639576043301560_flRhKdmn_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLthyKO2bUM/T9NICe5lYOI/AAAAAAAAElE/r7MRmFGgBtc/s1600/213639576043301560_flRhKdmn_f.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">keiko minimi</div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-90976215326545836602012-06-13T13:51:00.000+01:002012-06-13T13:51:00.150+01:00lovely lemon curd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eN4Y6byUJyE/T9NDc2sEgaI/AAAAAAAAEkA/Ehf1x2L0nr4/s1600/130463720425565194_snE9I7Se_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eN4Y6byUJyE/T9NDc2sEgaI/AAAAAAAAEkA/Ehf1x2L0nr4/s1600/130463720425565194_snE9I7Se_b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">image from pinterest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;the greengrocers had piles of lemons and limes &nbsp;for £1 last week, so i couldn't resist making a big batch of lemon curd. I had been wanting to try making a desert from Annabel Lagbeins book 'the free range cook' - which is a current favourite in our house, she mixes home made lemon curd with whipped cream and sandwiches it into a choux pastry ting with sliced strawberries. i did make it but it was all eaten before i had chance to take a photo! so instead here is annabels recipe for lemon curd, you can <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Annabel-Langbein-Free-Range-Cook/dp/1845336453/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1339245685&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank">buy the book here </a>- it is fab!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxWsTxRDpSA/T9NDe4iSEUI/AAAAAAAAEkI/rr62N5nl48E/s1600/lemon+curd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxWsTxRDpSA/T9NDe4iSEUI/AAAAAAAAEkI/rr62N5nl48E/s320/lemon+curd.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lemon curd</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">375g caster sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">220g diced butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">finely grated zest of 1 lemon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">juice of about 6 lemons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you are supposed to make this in a bain marie but i am a lay wotsit and made it in a pan on a very low heat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">place the butter, sugar, lemon juice and zest in a pan or bain marie and heat gently till the butter has melted. whisk the eggs and stir them in , cook gently storing all the time till the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon - it is ready when you can draw a line along the back of the spoon and it doesn't fill back in with liquid. - it takes about 5mins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">remove from the heat, and pour it through a sieve into sterilised jars (i think this is worth doing as it gets rid of any scramble bits and also of the eggy bits known in our house as egg bogies!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">slather onto buttered toast, or fold in to cream, it makes a fab dessert spooned into pastry tart shells , or dolloped onto a shortbread biscuit with a scoop of creme fraiche and a tumble of raspberries.</div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29310516708080613.post-9882352079751562432012-06-11T09:54:00.000+01:002012-06-11T09:54:00.078+01:00new collection 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqu0tVkJh7Q/T9MOJkePJCI/AAAAAAAAEjc/ffNPZMMjVyQ/s1600/florence+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqu0tVkJh7Q/T9MOJkePJCI/AAAAAAAAEjc/ffNPZMMjVyQ/s320/florence+chair.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>&nbsp;i thought i would share a little more from the new collection photoshoot with you<br />the pretty chair above is covered in our new florence fabric, a really pretty floral inspired by an old eiderdown i found a number of years ago. the chic is available from <a href="http://www.sharlandandlewis.com/" target="_blank">sharland and lewis.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Jtrqdl3nUw/T9MOK-tuz-I/AAAAAAAAEjk/DBr31Gw5bOw/s1600/florence+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Jtrqdl3nUw/T9MOK-tuz-I/AAAAAAAAEjk/DBr31Gw5bOw/s320/florence+detail.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />we have done the design in 2 sizes, the little one above is perfect for small windows, little girls rooms and of course eiderdowns , and the larger scale one below - shown here in duck egg looks great as summery billowing curtains, i think we might try it as a pretty faded wallpaper too!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnVZIwqbFR4/T9MONUs__wI/AAAAAAAAEjs/Y56s3xxIVH0/s1600/florence+grande+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnVZIwqbFR4/T9MONUs__wI/AAAAAAAAEjs/Y56s3xxIVH0/s320/florence+grande+cushion.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;we photographed various bits and pieces on our trip to provence earlier in the year &nbsp;and the cushions and lavender pillows will be available on the website and in selected interior retailers from the end of june.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvAu9qF5r00/T9MOO9tUF3I/AAAAAAAAEj0/YUoGn3Fhx1w/s1600/florence+and+spotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvAu9qF5r00/T9MOO9tUF3I/AAAAAAAAEj0/YUoGn3Fhx1w/s320/florence+and+spotty.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934663905568892543noreply@blogger.com0